Spaghetti Sauce with Roasted Red Peppers and Basil

Name: Spaghetti Sauce with Roasted Red Peppers and Basil
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 medium onion, chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 red bell pepper, roasted and chopped; 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes; 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes; 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

🕒 Prep: 15 min

🔥 Cook: 25 min

🍽 Serves: 6

★★★★★

Be the First to Review!

This Spaghetti Sauce with Roasted Red Peppers and Basil is a delightful twist on the classic marinara, offering a sweet and smoky depth. Perfect for a cozy dinner, it combines fresh herbs and a hint of balsamic tang.

Save Print Jump to Recipe

Ingredients for Spaghetti Sauce with Roasted Red Peppers and Basil

The base of our sauce starts with olive oil, giving it a rich and smooth texture. Onion and garlic are the aromatic workhorses here, providing a savory foundation. The star of the show, red bell pepper, is roasted until sweet and smoky, adding complexity to the sauce. Crushed tomatoes form the bulk of the sauce, offering a hearty, tomato-rich body. Fresh basil leaves add a burst of herbal freshness, while dried oregano complements with its earthy notes. For seasoning, salt, black pepper, and a touch of red pepper flakes provide a balanced heat. Finishing off with balsamic vinegar introduces a subtle sweetness and acidity.

Tips & Tricks

Roast your own red peppers for a fresher flavor — simply char them under a broiler, peel, and chop.
For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender right before adding the basil.
Use high-quality crushed tomatoes for the best results; it makes a big difference in taste.

Serving Suggestions

This sauce pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad and crusty garlic bread. If you're feeling adventurous, top your spaghetti with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a spoonful of ricotta for extra creaminess. A glass of Chianti or a light-bodied red wine would complement the meal beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?: Yes, but fresh basil provides a brighter, more aromatic flavor. If using dried, start with a teaspoon and adjust to taste.
How can I store leftovers?: Let the sauce cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Is this sauce spicy?: It has a mild heat from the red pepper flakes. Adjust the amount to suit your taste preferences.

Spaghetti Sauce with Roasted Red Peppers and Basil Recipe Walkthrough

Begin by heating your olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Once it's shimmering, toss in the onion and garlic. Sauté these until the onion becomes translucent, which should take about five minutes — just enough time for you to start smelling the amazing aroma. Next, add the roasted red bell pepper into the mix, letting it cook for a couple more minutes. This is where the magic starts as the flavors come together.

Now, pour in the crushed tomatoes, and add the oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Give everything a good stir to combine. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 20 minutes. Stir it occasionally to prevent sticking and to help the flavors meld beautifully.

As the sauce thickens, stir in the fresh basil and balsamic vinegar. These final touches add a fresh and tangy finish. Let it simmer for an additional five minutes, allowing the basil to infuse its flavor throughout the sauce. Serve over cooked spaghetti, and enjoy every bite!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

The roasted red peppers add a sweet and smoky flavor that elevates the sauce.
Fresh basil gives it a vibrant, aromatic finish.
Easy to make with pantry staples, yet feels gourmet.
Perfect for meal prep and freezes well for future meals.

Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil

1 medium onion, chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 red bell pepper, roasted and chopped

1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes

1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

1 tsp dried oregano

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

Step-by-step Instructions

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.

Step 2: Add onion and garlic; sauté until onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Stir in roasted red bell pepper and cook for an additional 2 minutes.

Step 4: Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.

Step 5: Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 6: Stir in fresh basil and balsamic vinegar.

Step 7: Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.

Step 8: Serve over cooked spaghetti.

Save Print

Ratings and Comments

Thank you for your rating!